Resources

Peel Region celebrates Seniors Month in June

By Events, Resources

Peel Region’s interactive story map provides insight into the older adult population

BRAMPTON, ON (June 2, 2026) – Peel Region is proud to celebrate Seniors Month this June by recognizing older adults and the meaningful roles they play in the community.

This year’s Seniors Month theme is “Let’s Get Moving”, which promotes healthy aging for older adults across the province. Older adults can take steps to improve their health by getting active, eating healthy, and staying socially connected.

For more information and resources about this year’s Seniors Month theme, visit the Ontario government website.

Seniors in Peel

Peel’s older adult population is growing fast; in fact, seniors are the fastest growing age group in the region. Peel Region’s interactive Older Adult’s Story Map provides a comprehensive look into our diverse senior population, which already represent over 15% of Peel residents.

In order to meet the needs of our growing population, Peel Region continues to take bold, innovative steps to support healthy aging in line with our Seniors Services Strategic Plan.

Programs and services for seniors in Peel

Peel Region provides a range of integrated, specialized, and person-centred programs and services that support the well-being and quality of life of older adults and their caregivers:

  • Long Term Care: Peel Region operates 5 municipally owned Long Term Care (LTC) Centres that provide compassionate, respectful, and emotion-based care to individuals and their caregivers. Peel Region LTC Centres were among the first in Ontario to adopt the Butterfly Approach, an emotion-based model of care.
  • Adult Day Services: Adult Day Services (ADS) provide seniors with a place to go during the day to engage in activities and social interaction. ADS is offered at all Peel Region LTC Centres and at home through virtual programs. Peel Region’s ADS is the first community-based program in Canada to be certified under the Butterfly model.
  • Seniors Health and Wellness Village (SHWV) at Peel Manor: The SHWV is a one-of-a-kind facility that combines a LTC Centre with a main-floor community service hub, which includes meeting rooms, green spaces, a hair salon, a café, and more.
  • Community Access to Long-Term Care (CALTC)/Thrive: The Thrive Program supports seniors who are waiting for long-term care, are eligible now, or may soon need it. The goal is to help them live safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible.
  • Respite care: Respite care offers short-term overnight stays for seniors that give their caregivers a break so they can attend to their own personal needs with the peace of mind that their loved ones are under the care of trained and compassionate staff.
  • Community paramedics: Peel Regional Paramedic Services community paramedics provide in-home care and assessments within the community. They are skilled in managing long-term health conditions and addressing issues that affect older adults.
  • TransHelp: Peel Region assists seniors and individuals with disabilities with door-to-door transportation. With our TransHelp fleet now at 65 buses, we continue to provide safe and reliable transportation for our elderly and at-risk population.
  • Housing and social support: Peel Region programs offer financial assistance and help people access safe, stable housing and other community supports.
  • Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program: The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides access to essential dental care for eligible low-income seniors 65 years or older.

 

For more information on Peel Region’s services and programs for seniors, visit peelregion.ca/health/seniors.

Municipal celebrations

Residents of all ages are encouraged to join in on Seniors Month celebrations, events, and activities being held in their community:

Notification of herbicide application for the control of invasive plants

By Parks, Resources, Ward 1

Invasive species control using herbicide

Herbicide application to control Dog-Strangling Vine and Japanese Knotweed in natural areas will occur on various dates between June 8th – June 19th at Adamson Estate. Additionally, Lilly of the Valley, Common Burdock and Yellow Archangel will be treated between June 8th – June 19th  at Cawthra Woods.

If any touch ups are needed the contractors will be returning between July 6th – July 17th.

Phragmites (Common Reed) treatment will also occur on various dates between July 27th – August 14th at Cawthra Woods and Park 510 (330 Indian Valley Trail).

If any touch ups are needed for phragmites control the contractors will be returning between September 8th – September 11th.

Contractors working on behalf of the City (Invasive Phragmites Control Centre) will be applying RoundUp WeatherPRO (Glyphosate) or Habitat Aqua (Imazapyr) directly to the plants using a handheld/backpack sprayer to minimize impacts to plants in the surrounding area. Habitat Aqua will only be used in wet areas and the City has obtained the proper permits to apply this herbicide.

Notification signs will be posted at all access points to the spray area at least 24 hours prior to treatment and will be removed no less than 48 hours after treatment. Timelines may be extended as needed depending on weather conditions.

This work supports the City’s Invasive Species Management Program and improves the health of natural areas across the City.

Move more this June and help build a healthier Mississauga

By Events, Resources

Get active this June and join the ParticipACTION Community Challenge to help Mississauga become the most active community in Canada.

City services | June 2, 2026

June is the perfect time for residents to stay active and try something new. It also marks Seniors Month and Recreation and Parks Month, with many ways for people of all ages to get involved and explore the city. As part of the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, the City is encouraging residents to get moving with neighbours, friends or family. Track your physical activity and help Mississauga become Canada’s Most Active Community.

Even 30 minutes of activity each day, like walking, cycling, or swimming, can improve your physical and mental health. It can lower the risk of chronic diseases, support heart and brain health and boost your energy.

Why active living is important

In Canada, fewer than half of adults and just over half of children aged five to 11 meet recommended physical activity levels. The Canadian Health Measures Survey (2022–2024) found that only 46 per cent of adults and 52 per cent of children aged five to 11 meet the guideline of 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

That’s about 20 to 30 minutes a day, something that residents can build into their daily routine.

Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy includes actions to improve health, equity and quality of life for all residents. In some Mississauga neighbourhoods, type 2 diabetes ranges from 13 to 16.9 per cent, higher than the Ontario average of 9.8 per cent.

With many events, activities and programs available this June and beyond, the City is helping residents stay active and connected. Let’s get healthier Mississauga!

Join the ParticipACTION Community Challenge

The ParticipACTION Community Challenge, funded by the Government of Canada and Novo Nordisk, is a national physical activity initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout June. Residents can help Mississauga win the title of Canada’s Most Active Community.

Participating is easy. Schools, community organizations and informal groups of two or more people are encouraged to register for the 2026 Community Challenge anytime in June. Then get active and submit your activity time on the Community Leaderboard that will be available on the ParticipACTION website. Each time your group records an activity, you will be entered into a draw to win weekly prizes. Activities can include walks, runs, bike rides, swims and fitness workouts or classes. No matter the intensity or the activity, every way to stay fit and active counts.

In 2025, Mississauga was a finalist in the country. Help Mississauga get to the top this year!

Activities for all ages

  • Recreation and Culture: With more than 5,000 programs available this summer, registration is still open for those looking for fun ways to be active. View the programs on Active Mississauga and register online or in person for programs beginning on June 27, 2026. Many drop-in programs such as fun swims are also available, all of which can count towards the ParticipACTION Community Challenge. Mississauga offers many affordable programs to support residents’ health, wellness and learning, while helping people stay active and connected in the community. Mississauga offers Adapted Programs for people of all abilities, to ensure that everyone has access.The City also offers ActiveAssist, a fee assistance program that helps residents in low-income households and newcomers with refugee status access recreation and culture programs. Learn about eligibility and apply online.
  • Community Rides: From May to October, Community Rides take place every two weeks on Saturdays that are eight or 16 kilometres in length. Community Rides are for Mississauga residents of all ages and cycling abilities who are looking to be active outdoors and want to explore the city by bike. Riders of all skill-levels are welcome. To participate, you must register online in advance
  • Get outside this month for some fresh air and exercise. Head out to a local park to walk, cycle, enjoy a playground with your family or workout at an outdoor fitness equipment station. On those hot days, check out one of the City’s more than 30 spray pads, or have a picnic in the shade. Use the online map to find a park or park amenity in your area.
  • Fresh Air Fitness: Join outdoor fitness classes every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Classes are led by expert City instructors and include Zumba®, Bollywood, Yoga and Pilates. The upcoming sessions are on June 3 and 10 – be sure to visit the Community Development Booth for assistance and to register for the ParticipACTION challenge. View the full fitness schedule for additional classes throughout the summer.

Programs for older adults

The City offers many free and discounted programs for older adults, helping them be more engaged in the community and stay active.

  • Free transit: Seniors ages 65 and older can ride MiWay for free with a PRESTO card set to the senior fare type. The PRESTO card must be purchased for a one-time fee of $4 and does not expire. PRESTO cards that are not set to a specific fare type will be charged the Adult PRESTO single fare $3.50 or cash fare $4.50. Seniors can set the fare type on their PRESTO card by visiting a customer service outlet and showing proof of age. The free fare will be automatically applied when you tap on MiWay buses. Visit miway.ca/fares, call 905-615-4636 or email miwayhelps@mississauga.ca for more details.
  • Free fitness membership: Residents aged 65 or older can take advantage of the City’s free Older Adult Twelve Month (65+) Membership, offering free, year-round access to City recreation facilities. This helps older adults stay active, connected and healthy —without financial barriers. Apply in person at any City of Mississauga community centre with ID and proof of residency. More details are available at mississauga.ca/memberships.
  • Download the Get Outside Guide for Older Adults to learn about more opportunities to be active outdoors using City parks, trails and other outdoor amenities.
  • Celebrate Seniors Month with free programs at the Mississauga Library. Explore creativity through art classes, enjoy live dancing and meet new people at Senior Social Hours. Learn something new at workshops for community health and safety, emergency preparedness and downsizing with confidence. These programs are drop-in on a first-come first-served basis. Visit Active Mississauga to see what is available.

Mississauga highlights 2025 progress and award-winning work on equity, diversity and inclusion

By Announcement, Resources

The City of Mississauga shares outcomes, achievements, and next steps to foster inclusion and expand opportunities so all residents and employees feel a sense of belonging in their communities and workplace.

Business and innovation | June 2, 2026

Today, the City of Mississauga shared an update on its equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work. This was presented to Council at General Committee through the 2025 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Progress Report.

The report details the key results and achievements from the past year to help build a more welcoming and representative community and workplace. It also outlines next steps and planned work for 2026 to further integrate equity into City services, policies, and processes.

The EDI progress report focuses on four key themes:

  1. Driving change across all City initiatives
  2. Supporting a culture of learning and development through training and tools
  3. Implementing EDI policies and governance activities to redesign City services
  4. Finding and removing systemic barriers through dedicated tools and resources

In 2025, the City achieved several important milestones, including:

Highlights from the report

The report also highlights key achievements, some of which include:

  • Expanding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) with the launch of a sixth group, the Women’s ERG, joining Indigenous, Black, Able, MiPride, and Diverse and Multicultural groups.
  • Partnering with an EDI-focused executive recruitment firm to attract more diverse candidates and remove systemic barriers to leadership opportunities.
  • Strengthening psychological health and safety in the workplace for diverse employees through an Employee Family and Assistance program and related mental health programming.
  • Continuing to deliver EDI learning to employees across the City.
  • Advancing accessible design and building of City facilities and public spaces that adhere to provincial and federal standards.
  • Introducing a comprehensive Document Standards policy and procedure to support the creation of accessible documents.

Looking ahead to 2026, the City has made a commitment to advancing numerous EDI priorities, including:

  • Developing a new Equitable Engagement policy and framework for public engagement.
  • Strengthening relations with Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island and preparing to host the prestigious National Elders Gathering in 2027.

Through this work, the City of Mississauga continues to build a community and workplace where everyone feels respected, safe, and included.

Peel Region housing programs supported more than 43,000 households in 2025

By Announcement, Food for thought, Resources

Expanding services, improving outcomes, and strengthening housing supply to drive progress amid affordability challenges

BRAMPTON, Ont., June 2, 2026 – Along with our federal and provincial partners, Peel Region invested $368.97 million in housing and homelessness supports in 2025, helping 43,717 households access emergency shelter, housing supports, financial assistance, and pathways to stable housing.

Despite record housing unaffordability and continued system pressure across Ontario, Peel Region expanded services, improved outcomes, and strengthened housing supply. Across the system, Peel focused on helping residents move quickly from crisis to stable housing, contributing to a 59 per cent increase in households served during this current term of council.

In 2025, Peel Region helped 7,487 new households get or keep affordable housing.

Peel’s integrated system connects prevention, emergency response, and long-term housing supports, with 84 per cent of households receiving stability-focused services that help people stay housed or return to stable housing as quickly as possible.

Key 2025 achievements

Emergency response and shelter services

  • Peel served 8,152 individuals through emergency shelters across the system.
  • Peel maintained high client satisfaction in shelters, with 81 per cent of the local homeless population in shelters reporting a positive experience.
  • Shelter demand exceeded capacity, requiring 205 overflow hotel spaces, a 14 per cent increase from 2024.
  • Despite increased demand, average shelter stays decreased. The average stay dropped from 81 to 44 days for families and from 61 to 53 days for single adults, reflecting investments in housing supports and portable subsidies.

Street outreach and coordinated access

  • Peel Outreach served more than 600 individuals in 2025.
  • Teams moved more than 260 people into shelter, with 51 moving directly from encampments into housing.
  • Peel maintains a By-Name List of 2,185 homeless households – a real-time list of people experiencing homelessness which helps prioritize needs and connect people to housing support.

Housing supports and case management

  • Housing supports help prevent homelessness and support housing stability during a period of rising costs and demand.
  • Peel provided housing support and case management to 12,475 households, helping people find and keep stable housing.
  • Most households (84 per cent) received subsidies or short-term financial supports to avoid eviction or secure housing.

Financial assistance

  • The Housing Stability Fund and Homelessness Prevention Fund supported 6,068 households to prevent eviction or secure housing.
  • Supporting people to stay housed is significantly more cost-effective than relying on emergency shelter.

Portable housing subsidies

  • Peel supported 4,113 households through portable housing subsidies in 2025, including:
    • 1,203 households supported through regional subsidies
    • 2,910 households supported through the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit
  • These subsidies help make housing more affordable in the private market and prevent homelessness.

Building for the future

  • Peel’s housing system includes 16,355 affordable housing units across the region.
  • Peel Region advances housing development projects, with 1,314 units and shelter spaces currently under development.
  • Projects include supportive, transitional, and community housing delivered by Peel Region, Peel Housing Corporation, and non-profit partners.
  • Council’s long-term investment of $842.8 million in capital funding is helping expand Peel’s affordable housing supply and sustain future development.

Challenge ahead

Housing needs in Peel remain significant. Approximately 99,800 households are in core housing need, meaning they live in housing that is inadequate or unsuitable.

Peel’s system is currently meeting only 17 per cent of that need.

Another 37,060 households remain on the centralized wait list for affordable housing. Nearly half are families (48 per cent), highlighting the growing pressure on families in the region. Demand continues to outpace supply due to low turnover in community housing and limited new unit completions.

Continuous improvement

In 2025, Peel strengthened program oversight, data quality and reporting to ensure public funds deliver maximum impact.

Peel delivers housing and homelessness services in partnership with more than 50 community organizations, creating a coordinated and responsive system of care.

To learn more, visit the Housing Services annual report dashboard.

National AccessAbility Week shines a light on Mississauga’s accessibility progress

By Events, Resources

The City of Mississauga continues to build a more inclusive community, with 84 per cent of accessibility commitments completed under its Multi‑Year Accessibility Plan (2023–2028).

City services | May 29, 2026

The 2025 Accessibility Annual Status Update outlines progress on 80 commitments focused on removing barriers, improving access to services and spaces, and embedding accessibility into City decision‑making.

This progress is being highlighted during National AccessAbility Week (May 31–June 6), which celebrates achievements in accessibility and the contributions of people with disabilities. The week also serves as a reminder of the importance of continued learning and action to build a community where everyone can participate fully.

The update shows progress across all six focus areas of the Multi‑Year Accessibility Plan (2023–2028), including:

  • Strengthening governance through Communities of Practice and an accessible procurement framework that embeds accessibility into City policies and operations.
  • Improving customer service through initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, the Ride Kind transit campaign, and expanded accessible programming.
  • Enhancing access to digital information through accessible document training, website improvements and consistent digital accessibility standards.
  • Reducing barriers to employment through partnership programs and inclusive hiring tools.
  • Improving accessible movement with transit stop upgrades, near‑universal accessible boarding and enhanced accessible shelters.
  • Advancing universal design with the launch of Facilities Accessibility Design Standards (FADS) 2.0, major facility upgrades and the development of a new barrier‑free fire station.

Overall, 67 of 80 commitments are complete, with progress made in every focus area. The City continues to work closely with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Staff Accessibility Resource group, and other City staff to guide implementation and identify future priorities.

To learn more about the City’s commitments to advancing accessibility and to read the 2025 annual status update, visit the webpage.

Get involved this National AccessAbility Week

The City is hosting an Accessible Tree Planting event on Tuesday, June 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Dellwood Park. The event is intentionally designed to reduce physical and participation barriers, with accessible pathways, adaptive tools, and on-site support so residents of all abilities can take part. Learn more here.

Quotes

“One in four Mississauga residents lives with a disability. That’s why it is so important that we continue with our efforts to remove barriers and create a city where everyone has the opportunity to live fully. Accessibility remains a top priority for the City.” – Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“This update shows real, measurable progress across City services, facilities and programs. From accessible transit and public spaces to inclusive hiring and digital communications, accessibility is being embedded into everyday decision‑making across the organization.” – Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Community Services

Peel Region and partners working together to create safer, healthier communities with a focus on children and youth

By Resources

BRAMPTON, Ont. – May 29, 2026. This week at Peel Region Council, staff presented an update on the strategic focus of the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan. Beginning in 2026, Peel Region and partners will be prioritizing supports and interventions for children and youth, with a special focus on those in middle childhood, ages 7 to 14.

“Municipalities are facing real pressures, driven in part by rapid growth and increasing demand for services,” said Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services. “In Peel, we’re not doing this alone. We work across sectors with community partners to focus on children and youth, investing earlier to support better long-term outcomes. This approach will help young people thrive while reducing system pressures and building a more resilient community as we continue to grow.”

In Peel, 1 in 3 residents is under 25 years old. During middle childhood, a time of significant emotional and social change, families also experience a gap in available services. At the same time, access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is a key foundation for children and youth to succeed. Together, these pressures can affect a child’s well-being and long-term outcomes.

In a delegation to Council, Mary Beth Moellenkamp, chief executive officer of Peel Children’s Aid Society, said early intervention is critical to making a difference in the lives of children and youth, and she appreciates being in a region that supports community partners in this work.

“It is part of the fabric of Peel,” she said.

As co‑leads of the CSWB Plan, Peel Region and Peel Regional Police are working with community and system partners to advance early, coordinated action for children and youth. This will help reduce reliance on services such as policing, justice involvement, and emergency care.

“Policing alone cannot address the complex challenges facing our communities”, said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah. “Through Peel’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, partners across sectors are working together to support children and youth earlier, before challenges escalate into crisis. These proactive and collaborative efforts are essential to fostering stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.”

In the CSWB Plan, there are 5 goals identified to transform outcomes for children and youth in Peel.

  • Strong relationships and belonging
  • Healthy body, mind and spirit
  • Safe, inclusive places to grow
  • Equitable access to opportunities and stability
  • Youth voice, agency and leadership

Some of this work has already begun in collaboration with Peel’s community partners. It responds to the current needs of children and youth while also helping to prevent complex challenges in the future.

These actions include:

  • Piloting the use of schools and community spaces as hubs to expand safe, accessible community spaces.
  • Launching a youth-led Creative Confidence Challenge Fund.
  • Strengthening early mental health care pathways for children.
  • Supporting youth housing stability and homelessness prevention.
  • Advancing research on youth and poverty.

Peel Region is also developing a Social Return on Investment model to measure how early action creates positive impact. It will also inform future projects and investments for children and youth.

Building on 5 years of progress

The CSWB plan is mandated under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, requiring municipalities to take a more integrated and preventive approach to community safety. Peel Region Council directed the development of the original plan in 2020 and endorsed its update in June 2025, reinforcing a continued commitment to early interventions, community partnerships, and healthy communities.

Since its launch, the CSWB Plan reflects a shift away from fragmented, reactive responses toward coordinated prevention and risk reduction. By establishing partnerships with more than 75 organizations across multiple sectors and creating a System Leadership Table to encourage collaborative decision-making, Peel Region and partners have been able to advance work in key areas:

  • Mental health and addictions
  • Family violence
  • Youth violence prevention
  • International students

This work and these partnerships have empowered community agencies to respond to the emerging needs of a growing and diverse population.

Looking ahead

As Peel prepares to welcome up to one million additional residents in the coming decades, investing in prevention today is key to maintaining safe, healthy and livable communities.

“Council’s direction is clear; we need to get ahead of demand,” said Polsinelli. “By investing early and working together, we are reducing future pressures on our systems and delivering on Peel’s vision of a Community for Life, where people are living, thriving and leading, supported by strong, sustainable communities now and for generations to come.”

Resources

CSWB Plan update report

Peel’s International Students Collaborative: outcomes, learnings and path forward

Building Safer Communities Fund: outcomes and next steps for youth violence prevention in Peel

For more information on Peel Region’s CSWB Plan, visit https://peelregion.ca/health/peels-community-safety-well-being-plan

Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy turns vision into action, making healthy living easier for residents

By Resources

Actions are underway to improve health, equity and quality of life for Mississauga residents.

City building | May 21, 2026

The City of Mississauga is making strong progress on its Healthy City Strategy. Actions are underway to embed health and equity into City plans and services. These actions are intended to address the rising prevalence of diabetes and associated chronic conditions and help residents stay active, connected and supported in their communities.

Approved by Council in December 2024, the Strategy outlines 25 actions across 10 themes aimed at addressing the root causes of chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes, by improving the conditions that shape health. As of May 2026, most actions are underway across City programs, operations and initiatives, with one focused on renewing the Strategy in five years.

The Strategy is grounded in collaboration with community organizations, global partners in the Cities for Better Health network and local research partners, including the University of Toronto’s Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations (NHP). It aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan and Official Plan vision and is supported by the NHP’s Catalyst Grant, which has funded 23 projects, engaged more than 50 community organizations, and invested nearly $2.34 million over 5 years.

Healthy City Strategy progress highlights

Mississauga is advancing the Strategy through partnerships and community-based programs, including:

Growing Healthy Places Mississauga

A multi-partner initiative supporting children aged six to 13 in underserved communities through school-based programs focused on physical activity, nutrition and access to recreation. Now one year into implementation, the initiative brings together Ophea, 8 80 Cities, Brock University, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., the City of Mississauga, the Peel District School Board, and the Region of Peel (Public Health) to co-design, deliver and evaluate solutions rooted in community needs.

Watch this video to see how Growing Healthy Places Mississauga is making a real difference in the community.

More affordable and accessible recreation for all ages

  • The Sauga Summer Pass reached capacity in 2024 and 2025 and includes free MiWay rides for youth aged 12 to 16.
  • The 65+ Fit free fitness membership launched in April 2025, reaching about 130,000 older adults and contributing to a 39 per cent increase in memberships (51,341 issued).

Safer, easier ways to get around

  • 58 per cent more sidewalks were cleared during the 2025–2026 winter season, with crews maintaining more than 2,500 km of sidewalks and trails across 34 winter events.

Greener neighbourhoods and community connection

  • Working with the Institute for Better Health, part of Trillium Health Partners, and the Black Health and Social Services Hub, the City supported an intergenerational garden in Malton. The project is connecting Black older adults and youth through gardening, cultural connection, and shared learning; the initiative continues in 2026.

Food security and youth empowerment

  • The Seed Library has distributed more than 18,500 packets.
  • The Malton Youth Hub provides meals for more than 400 youth.

Community awareness and support

  • Working alongside community partners and the University of Toronto, the City supported Diabetes Connect, a model for community-based screening, education and connections to care in 2025, with expansion continuing for 2026.

Active living across the lifespan

  • With a $25,000 grant from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, a Volunteer Committee of 14 seniors helped develop the Get Outside Guide for Older Adults to engage older adult residents in outdoor recreation and social opportunities using City parks, trails and other outdoor amenities. The Guide supported 143 activities by 26 groups, engaging more than 1,800 participants, with a launch event attracting more than 500 residents.

Why it matters

In some Mississauga neighbourhoods, type 2 diabetes ranges from 13 to 16.9 per cent, exceeding the Ontario average of 9.8 per cent. The Healthy City Strategy addresses these disparities by focusing on broader social, environmental and economic factors, including access to healthy food, green space, transportation and community connection.

Looking ahead

Over the coming year, the City will continue advancing the Healthy City Strategy’s 25 actions and develop updated performance measures for 2026 and beyond. This work will incorporate meaningful indicators and research from the University of Toronto’s Population Health Analytics Laboratory to help ensure initiatives remain measurable and tailored to community needs, so that Mississauga remains a place where people of all ages can live healthy, active, and connected lives.

Quotes

“Mississauga is committed to making it easier for residents to live healthy, active lives. Our Healthy City Strategy makes a difference every day in people’s lives.  I am proud that thousands of seniors participate in our 65+ Fit membership that eliminates fees and reduces barriers to wellness. We also lead the way with children’s healthy development with the free “Play in the Park” program providing recreational activities including organized games, sports, crafts, theme days, and special events. We are building a city where everyone can thrive.”
– Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish.

“The progress of Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy reflects the power of community-driven partnerships. By bringing together researchers, community organizations, and the City, we are supporting made-in-Mississauga solutions that reduce barriers, engage diverse communities, and advance system-level changes to support better health.”
– Tiffany Bartlett, Director of Research Programs, Operations and Partnerships, University of Toronto Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations

About the Healthy City Strategy

Recognizing the growing impact of chronic disease, particularly type 2 diabetes, on residents across Mississauga, the City joined Cities for Better Health (CBH – formerly Cities Changing Diabetes) in 2021. With the support of CBH partners and input from the community, the City worked to develop the Healthy City Strategy, which was unanimously adopted by Mississauga Council in 2024. The strategy aims to work with partners to help create a healthier community and provides staff and decision makers with a health equity lens to guide City programs, policies, initiatives, and infrastructure.